Canjáyar: Murals, Santa Cruz del Voto and Sierra Nevada

Culture

At the Museo Abierto de Canjáyar, 22 artistic murals depict episodes from the history of the town.

The 22 murals can be visited along a continuous circular route through the six streets where they are located.

The Iglesia Parroquial de la Santa Cruz del Voto features a Neoclassical style with some Mudéjar details.

The Iglesia Parroquial de la Santa Cruz del Voto was built in Canjáyar around 1530.

Earthquakes in 1804 and 1852 damaged the church.

It was subsequently repaired and expanded.

Most of its present structure dates from the 19th century.

The Lavadero Público in Canjáyar has 17 washbasins.

It recalls the time when the town's women would meet there to do their washing.

La Fuente Larga was built in 1885.

It was built according to a design by the architect López Rull.

The Monumento al Parralero stands in Plaza Nueva.

It commemorates the farmers who cultivated grapevines for a long time.

Ohanes table grapes were exported to other countries.

History and faith

The Ermita de San Blas was built on a hilltop in 1880.

The Arab fortress previously stood on this hilltop.

On Cerro de San Blas, cave houses remain as vestiges of a troglodytic settlement.

The Templete de la Cruz Blanca houses the pillar of the original cross.

Every year on 19 April, the procession with the Santa Cruz del Voto has the Templete de la Cruz Blanca as its destination.

The Santa Cruz del Voto is the patron saint of Canjáyar.

It was discovered on 19 April 1611 in the wall of the baptistery of Canjáyar's parish church.

The parish church therefore preserves traces of several construction phases: the construction around 1530 was followed by damage from the earthquakes of 1804 and 1852, repairs and expansion, and the present structure, which predominantly dates from the 19th century. Together with the templete and the ermita, these landmarks form part of Canjáyar's religious history, which also continues through the annual processions and patron saint celebrations.

Landscape

Canjáyar is part of the Sierra Nevada Nature Reserve.

In this area, there are routes that can be explored on foot, by bicycle or on horseback.

The Ermita de San Blas offers panoramic views over Canjáyar and towards the Sierra de Gádor.

Other destinations: La Cañada, Armuña De Almanzora, Vera, María, Berja, Fuente Victoria, Mojácar and Vélez-Rubio.

Traditions

On Día del Santo, a procession-pilgrimage takes place to the Ermita de San Blas.

The procession-pilgrimage ends with a mass and the tasting of typical regional products.

Canjáyar's patron saint celebrations take place in honour of the Santa Cruz del Voto from 19 to 22 April.

For the broader travel overview: Almeria.